Jakarta (B2B) - Indonesian government through the logistics agency (Bulog) seeks to buy rice from farmers even under quality, conducted since March 2017, and by July 16 Bulog has bought 2.7 million tons of grain or equal to 1.3 million tons of rice, with target of 3.7 million tons of rice until August 2017, according to senior official of agriculture ministry.

It was stated by the Director General of Food Security Agency (BKP) Agung Hendriadi at coordination meeting was attended by President Director of Bulog Djarot Kusumayakti, Territorial Assistant of Indonesian Army Major General TNI Head Widagdo Hendro Sukoco, heads of provincial agricultural offices, commanders of resort military command (Korem) and district military command (Kodim) across the country.

"The coordination meeting aims to evaluate grain purchasing activities by Bulog from March to mid-July 2017, and the strategy of achieving the target until August 2017," said Agung Hendriadi here on Wednesday (July 19).

While Maj. Gen. Widado HS evaluated the performance of military resort command in 17 provinces, he specifically criticized the performance of military district commanders who failed to achieve targets. "We are soldiers, should not fail after instructed by the commander."

Mr Hendriadi added that rice self-sufficiency is achieved by 2016 after being supported by all parties supporting farmers to increase rice production, and the agriculture ministry's commitment to implement programs and policies such as the provision of superior seeds, agricultural machine tools, subsidized fertilizers and agricultural extension.